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Meaning Of Flu
It is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract that can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications (including pneumonia). It affects people of all ages.
It is a seasonal infection that usually occurs from April to September. Flu seasons vary in severity and duration from year to year.
In a year of high influenza activity, it is estimated that the flu can contribute to more deaths.
Even healthy people can sometimes die from the flu. Some Victorians are at increased risk of serious disease and complications of flu, like young children, the elderly, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with a weakened immune system or a chronic medical condition.
Covid tends to affect multiple systems, flu seemed more focused on the lungs.
The one notable exception is that the flu poses higher risks to the pulmonary system than Covid-19.
“This tells us the flu is truly more of a respiratory virus.
By comparison, COVID-19 is more aggressive and indiscriminate in that it can attack the pulmonary system, but it can also strike any organ system and is more likely to cause fatal or severe conditions involving the heart, brain, kidneys, and other organs.”
Symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can be similar. If you are unwell with flu-like symptoms, contact your to check if you require COVID-19 testing.
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Causes Of Flu
The flu is usually spread by breathing in droplets from coughs and sneezes that contain the virus from someone who already has it.
Flu viruses can live on surfaces such as lift buttons or handrails, for up to 48 hours and are spread and can be contacted when people touch an infected surface.
Symptoms Of Flu
The following are the symptoms of the flu:
- A sudden high temperature of 38C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- sudden dizziness
- confusion
- severe vomiting
- fever with a rash.
- runny or stuffy nose.
In some cases of the flu, severe illness and complications (such as pneumonia and bronchitis) can develop. This can result in hospitalization and even death.
Flu and other kinds of viruses can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab has returned positive results.
Prevention Of Flu
Getting a flu vaccine every year is recommended for everyone aged 6 months or older. People in the above groups are eligible for free flu vaccination each year under the National Immunisation .
Though not 100% effective, the flu vaccine provides a high level of protection and can reduce symptoms in those still getting sick.
COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (that is, given on the same day, one after the other) with a flu
Speak to your immunization provider for advice about COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children aged 6 months to less than 5 years.
Wearing a face mask and practicing good hand hygiene can help to reduce your chances of catching the flu or passing it on to others.
Treatment Of Flu
Seek immediate medical attention if you have the following symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, and fever with a rash.
The flu is a viral infection so antibiotics won’t help and should not be taken.
Antiviral medications, if started in the first 2 days after symptoms start, can shorten the length of your illness. These need to be prescribed by your doctor.
Decongestants and simple pain relievers can help you feel better while your body’s immune system fights off the infection.
Rest, maintain a good fluid intake, and manage your symptoms by taking over-the-counter medications. This will help you recover and prevent dehydration.
Your immune system will fight the infection and symptoms will usually clear up on their own.
